Arsenal 1-3 Bayern Munich

Arsenal's Champions League ambitions - and their hopes of a first trophy since 2005 - look to be in tatters after they were well beaten by Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger demanded an instant response from his players after the shock
FA Cup fifth-round defeat at home
by Championship side Blackburn Rovers on Saturday brought a storm of criticism for manager and players.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern were in no mood to offer any respite and made it a miserable few days for Arsenal as they established a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg of this last 16 tie in the Allianz Arena.

Phil McNultyChief football writer, BBC Sport

"The wider and more painful truth is even starker for Wenger after the runaway Bundesliga leaders spent 90 minutes plus stoppage time illustrating to The Emirates what Arsenal have become; how far they have fallen in European terms."

Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller gave Bayern control with two early goals, and even though Lukas Podolski pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the second half, Mario Mandzukic's scrambled third left the Gunners requiring something bordering on miraculous in Germany.

Arsenal showed plenty of spirit, but Bayern simply carried too much quality and experience. All evidence suggests a fight for a place in the Premier League's top four can be Wenger's only realistic target for the rest of the season.

The old defensive fragility undermined Arsenal, and in attack they ran up against a resolute Bayern defence that offered little to the likes of Theo Walcott.

Arsenal's fragile confidence required some repair following the Blackburn defeat - but Bayern pounced ruthlessly on a vulnerable opponent to score twice in the first 21 minutes.

Kroos struck first after only seven minutes when he was left unattended on the edge of the area and showed fine technique in controlling a powerful volley into the turf that beat Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Gunners gloom

This is only the third time that Arsenal have lost two successive matches at the Emirates Stadium (May 2009 & Nov 2010)

Arsenal's fans roared their team forward in raucous fashion, with no hint of dissent, but their plight worsened as they swiftly conceded another sloppy goal to ensure Bayern were in total command. Szczesny could only palm out Daniel van Buyten's near-post header and Mueller reacted quicker than Mikel Arteta to turn the rebound into the roof of the net.

Wenger's side were frustrated in their attempts to subdue Bayern and it resulted in first-half yellow cards for Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen and Arteta.

The Gunners showed reserves of resilience but Bayern's pace, power and relentless work-rate made them an ominous threat. Mandzukic almost added a third moments before half-time when his header was only inches wide from Philipp Lahm's right-wing cross.

Arsenal were in desperate straits and needed to muster a swift response. It came 10 minutes after the restart when Germany striker Podolski headed in after Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer failed to deal with a corner.

It offered Arsenal hope at last. And with his side finally gathering momentum, Wenger made a double change with 19 minutes left, sending on Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky for Podolski and Aaron Ramsey.

Bayern brilliance

Mario Mandzukic became the 10th different player to score a Champions League goal for Bayern Munich in 2012-13

Frenchman Giroud almost brought Arsenal level with his first touch, a snap-shot that was blocked, with more than an element of good fortune, by Neuer.

As Arsenal's supporters sensed the possibility of an unlikely comeback, Bayern scored what will surely prove to be a killer third goal that owed something to both accident and design.

Substitute Arjen Robben, on for Franck Ribery, played in the marauding Lahm. The Bayern captain found Mandzukic, who fell and half-hit his attempted finish only to see the bounce wrong-foot Szczesny and end up in the net.

6:46 GOAL - Toni Kroos:Arsenal 0 - 1 Bayern Munich Toni Kroos grabs a goal from just inside the area to the top right corner of the goal. Arsenal 0-1 Bayern Munich.

5:08 The ball is crossed by Theo Walcott, clearance made by Philip Lahm. Inswinging corner taken by Theo Walcott from the left
by-line, Foul by Mikel Arteta on Manuel Neuer, free kick awarded. Manuel Neuer takes the free kick.

4:06 Mario Mandzukic takes a shot. Thomas Vermaelen gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Toni Kroos,
clearance by Per Mertesacker.

Once upon a Champions League, Arsenal had a squad that could perform such miracles, today they are just a bunch pussycats. Who apart from Wilshere in this current Arsenal side could slot in in a Man United side?Last season RVP carried the team, this year only Wilshere has the lionheart.Arsenal r as good out, so stop kidin urself. auf wiedersehen

A point i would like to make is I think the team lack anyone with leader qualities. When Arsenal enjoyed success they had big characters that lead the way. When things went against players uses to take the game by the scruff of the neck and give the younger players belief they could turn it round. i just dont see that with arsenal, as soon as they go behind they shrink inside their shell

Finally, thanks for Wenger, Galdis, Keroneke and to the majority of the board for delivering an artificial team playing for fun only not for trophy.We will sit down and plan whom to support for the upcoming years...Viva Wenger....

What I am slightly surprised at is Wenger losing his cool when questioned about it, I think any manger who has won so much goes 8 years without would expect questions ? esp from the fans paying the ticket money ..

I feel that he is irk'd because he knows he can't tell the truth... the board have tied his hands somewhat

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